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General discussion

Is it legal to make backup copies of my purchased DVDs and Blu-rays?

Jun 1, 2012 8:01AM PDT
Question:

Is it legal to make backup copies of my purchased DVDs and Blu-rays?


I am wondering if there is a way to make backup copies of my media. Back
in the day when I purchased a new album (black acetate records), I
would copy it to reel to reel and put the album away for safe keeping.
I still do the same today and I also make backup copies of all my
CDs. My problem is what can I do to make backup copies of my DVD and
Blu-ray collection. I would hate to see something happen to them and
have to purchase them new again. Is there a way that I can do this?
But first is it legal to do as I get conflicting answers that it is
illegal to back them up even if I purchase them for my use and own
them. What's the difference between this media and my records and CDs
that I have backed up? Please help explain this. Thanks.

--Submitted by Michael

Discussion is locked

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Yes you do
Jun 8, 2012 9:18PM PDT

and I wouldn't read too much into the post you have just replied to.

You can sell or otherwise get rid of your computer as you wish, and if you do get rid of it you can let the Operating System already installed on it go with it, or reformat the drives then either reinstall the OS or leave the drives blank, as you wish. If you keep the OS's installation CD or DVD then the OS needs to be wiped off the hard drive, but other than that, you can even give those installation disks away as long as they are not used anywhere else.

The same with other software, for example, Microsoft Office. If you have the CDs then they are yours to dispose of as you want, as long as that Office software is not being used elsewhere.

What that poster said is wrong and very misleading.

I hope that helps.

Mark

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Yes, you absolutely do!
Jun 9, 2012 4:24AM PDT

Your PC is yours to do with as you please. Regarding software, though, some software is tied to the machine and the license is transferred with it. They call it OEM. If you bought the machine with Windows on it, for example, you can't just wipe out Windows and use it on a different machine. If you bought an OEM copy of Windows to put on a computer (as I did) then that also is only licensed for use on that machine.
If, however, you bought Windows at retail you may remove it from the machine and use it on another. Most software you buy is not OEM. To find out read the license. The OEM software is less expensive because you cannot take it off of one machine and put it on another. If you have bought the more expensive retail copy you own the license and can place the software on any machine you wish.

I know that sounds a bit complicated, but it really isn't. For most people it means that they should return the computer to "factory state" before selling it or giving it away. Any retail software they have bought (once again-- only full priced retail software) can be taken off and used on a different computer.

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Copying DVD's and Blur-ray discs
Jan 24, 2013 7:17AM PST
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You answer:
Jun 9, 2012 2:38AM PDT

First off, you are taking this waaaaay over board. Your local police might be taking these courses, but the odd's of them stopping to see if you have counterfeit material is VERY slime no none. And if they do, over 3-20 disc's do you know how much paper work that is? They're not going to arrest anyone. They are simply going to give you a warning and tell you to remove the material from you stand sale or " clam - possible arrest "

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Tech_Root ...
Jun 10, 2012 11:40PM PDT

You are very quick to slam him and correct his spelling but you may want to read what you posted (all kinds of errors) don't be the grammar and spelling police unless you are willing to make sure your replies are up to snuff. That said if he got his meaning across even with a misspelling then he communicated effectively.

Have you really taken a look at law enforcement "priorities" in this country? You assume they won't do what he claimed because their are bigger fish to fry but take a look at the USA's war on drugs and what percentage of our for PROFIT prison system is filled with drug offenders vs violent offenders. Look at what offenses do what kind of time. Look at how much in resources are dedicated to the war on drugs vs getting violent offenders off the streets and keeping them off.

Lastly any arrest made makes the county that arrest is tied to money (in fines and court fees not to mention it typically supports lawyers) so it is in a poor counties interest to bust as many people as possible for whatever crime.

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High Desert Charlie
Jun 9, 2012 4:24AM PDT

I agree fully to what you have said. I live in England where the law is very different,and we don`t have lawyers. Starting from the bottom we have Advocates,Solicitors,Barristers,and at the top we have QC`S confusing isn`t.

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Back-up copy
Jun 10, 2012 11:24PM PDT

I you make one and keep it in your home/posession. How will anyone know? Now if you start selling copies.......

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How will they know....
Jun 10, 2012 11:48PM PDT

Copy right protection now involves the Department of Homeland Security ... I can't say why but my guess would be that they are already in everyone's computers as is, "searching for terrorists". They could be very effective at busting people making copies if they widened the parameters of the searches they already do to include flagging people with certain software on their machines that allow the user to bypass copyright protection.

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Check out Walmart
Jun 1, 2012 12:41PM PDT

Walmart is advertising digital copies of movies. How it works is u go to photo area with discs and they write down what titles u have and contact VUDU. Ones that qualify for copies cost 2 bucks per title and is available from VUDU forever.Hope this helps you.

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Check out the fine print.
Jun 1, 2012 1:51PM PDT

There are some gotchas for this solution. But a good option to bring up.

Only certain studios are participating at this time [6/1/2012]. Disney appears not to be on the lists.

The virtual copy is stored in the "Cloud'. It can only be played back on certain appliances with the Vudu App, other than a computer. If one is subject to "Caps", like 250 Gig per month, for example, the streaming/viewing may count against that number. In the articles I have read, that is not mentioned. And it seems dependent upon a fast Internet connection.

Since it is fairly new in its deployment [as are most reviews/articles, most are dated after March 2012], suggest one use their favorite Search Engine to see what the current details are at the time you pull the trigger on this venture.

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Search Engine
Jun 9, 2012 2:43AM PDT

Excuse me Hortnut ( LOL, you name makes me smile Grin )

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Any will do
Jun 9, 2012 3:33AM PDT

The most common are Google and Yahoo, but there are others.

Mark

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(NT) WISH THE USING "U" FOR "YOU:" WOULD STOP. Looks like hell.
Jun 8, 2012 11:34AM PDT
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get a life
Jun 8, 2012 9:18PM PDT

get a life are you sad or wot ??

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In fact
Jun 8, 2012 9:24PM PDT

I agree with that poster's sentiments.

or wot? Do you mean this wot?

This isn't some smart phone texting service; these are forums and clear and unambiguous words are necessary for correct understanding, especially when describing and diagnosing problems.

Mark

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texting
Jun 8, 2012 9:25PM PDT

I beleive this was created by the I.M. and texting craze... Technology moves forward.. So should you...

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To Turbo2Pete
Jun 8, 2012 11:13PM PDT

I deleted your post.

If you can't be polite, don't post.

Mark.

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Just a note.
Jun 8, 2012 11:21PM PDT

I deleted your 2nd post as well.

Mark

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Backups of CD and DVDs
Jun 1, 2012 1:31PM PDT

Unfortunately, the second you open the package their contract, printed on the back or somewhere you can read it kicks in. You have to read it and possibly send it to your Lawyer for interpretation before doing anything with it.

There is a thing called "Fair use". Part of that was the ability for you to make a back up copy for your personal use, saving the original until you wore your duplicate out. The contract typically voids that. It sometimes even voids your ability to use the software/DVD/CD, then when tired of the content, sell the used product.

So far though, the owners of the product (Read that NOT YOU.) haven't gone after those that truly duplicate for personal use, or selling the product on a second hand basis after personal use. (Although, don't try doing a lot of selling of your old stuff on eBay.) Copy protection though is the item that stops most copying. Those that use copy protection strippers, or skate around it violate US Federal law, and likely most any other Country's laws.

So, you are pretty much out of luck if you want to stay legal. (Buy 2 or 3 so you have back ups?)

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making a backup of my purchased DVD
Jun 8, 2012 11:19AM PDT

Well, if my disk breaks (has happened) or some other calamity occurs, I would expect that I would be able to get to a backup for something I had purchased -- as long as I still have the ORIGINAL disk that shows that it was damaged.

If I can't do that, why would I buy more copies just in case -- honestly, I am buying NOTHING -- there are enough things to do in life. I will just view single time -- if it's an option -- and if not, well, just screw them. I won't die because I missed seeing it. This whole thing is getting stupid. For God's sake, a hard copy of something, I could send around the world. An electronic copy goes nowhere, and they won't let me replicate it in case I, the purchasor, can't access the original.

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protecting our legal purchase
Jun 8, 2012 4:07PM PDT

All this fuss and threats because we might want to protect our collection and all the while they're letting China ship in KNOCKOFFS by the billions. Makes me sick!

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Protecting our legal purchase
Jun 9, 2012 4:40AM PDT

I agree with you fully, but you have missed out Vietnam,Malaysia,and Thailand. They have all admitted that they can`t control piracy. The amount of Apple copies,videos,dvd`s. You can evan order anything,but i need not tell you are taking a big risk?

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CD backups
Jun 8, 2012 9:35PM PDT

I have downloaded music purchased from I-Tunes (Apple). They state that I can make "UP TO SEVEN (7) COPIES FOR MY OWN USE". Therefore, the amount I pay to I-Tunes for the right to download their music is supposed to cover the copyrights of both the artist and the composers (lyrics & music). Therefore, in my estimation, a certain number of copies IS permissible (I repeat - permissible and not necessarily legal).

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iTunes Music
Jun 9, 2012 9:45AM PDT

Apple has been to court quite a number of times over this issue. For a start it is not their music,and you are only supposing that it covers the copyrights of artists. I have looked into this in great depths,and i have videos of what the QC said about the Judge when the Beatles took them to the High Court in London. The Beatles took them to the High Court about copyright infringement of the music`and that Apple were using the logo of the Apple label from the Beatles records. It was the Beatles who had the logo of an Apple. The QC said the judge had bottled it,because when he was in his chambers he was about to shut down iTunes,so he reluctantly awarded Apple the go ahead. In a certain clause the Beatles used certain sound in nearly all their music. It was something like a synthesizer,but it had not been invented then. The judge said that Apple could not use this kind of music,in the Beatles records,and that went in favour of the Beatles. Apple took no notice of this, a few years later they were selling the Beatles records with the synthesizer sound in the Beatles records. They settled out of court Apple paid the Beatles a vast amount of money. Other artists like Led Zeppelin,The Rolling Stones,and a host of other groups waiting in the wings. Still ongoing?

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No Problem
Jun 9, 2012 12:32AM PDT

You would have to be an idiot to pay good money for a progam and not back it up. If the disc is damaged, will the company send you a new one? Probably not. Unless something has changed, you are allowed to make a backup for your own security. Legalities aside, you have to protect your investment.

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This is a hotly debated subject
Jun 1, 2012 1:47PM PDT

If you listen to the industry, they say that all copies of everything are illegal. That is their opinion. The courts have decided that there is such a thing as fair use which allows copies to be made for personal use (note: the right to make and keep the copy goes with the physical original-- you absolutely cannot make a copy and then sell the original and still keep using the copy!). With movies, though, we have a problem. The industry pushed through some nasty (and unreasonable) laws that makes any attempt to overcome copy protections illegal, even if it is for personal use. My interpretation of this is that those few movies that do not have copy protection can be copied. The rest cannot. I am as angry about that as anyone else, but that is where the law stands. In my opinion, anyone can see that a copy of a book, movie, or music is bought for the use of the household of the person who bought it, and within that household there should be no unreasonable restraints as long as the original copy is still owned by that person, but several industries have fought this very reasonable idea for so long now that the law is a big mess. We will have to keep fighting to get some sanity inserted in there.

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What can one do to join the fight?
Jun 8, 2012 2:10PM PDT

I feel totally disgusted by these restraints and would do what I can to fight it: but what is there to do?

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We need to speak up
Jun 8, 2012 5:55PM PDT

There is no one official thing you can do, but you can speak up whenever you have the chance and pay attention. Sometimes these issues come up in both federal and state legislatures. When they do, we need to make sure that our lawmakers are very clear about what we think.

This is not something that is going to be fixed quickly. It is an ongoing battle that will take a very long time to win. Just make sure that you are heard. There is no better way to do it. If, by some chance, you have the opportunity to support someone who is in legal trouble because they have done something that was morally acceptable but in a legal gray area, then make sure you offer your support.

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Use a Service
Aug 4, 2012 6:13AM PDT

Netflix, Blockbuster, VUDU. I have Netflix, streaming, plus 1 DVD out at a time. If people just get fed up with this, they can stream. A child would have to break the TV/Video player to destroy the streaming movie. In that case, no backup copy would be of help.

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(NT) Things really d
Jun 9, 2012 12:20AM PDT